K-pop powerhouse EXO has officially confirmed their return — but it’s not the full reunion many fans had hoped for. On October 27, SM Entertainment announced that EXO will hold a fan meeting titled “EXO’Verse” on December 13–14 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, followed by the release of their highly anticipated 8th studio album in the first quarter of 2026.
The lineup? Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and — unexpectedly — Lay, marking his first confirmed group activity in years.
While Lay’s inclusion was met with surprise and excitement, the absence of EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin quickly became the focal point of online discourse. The trio, who previously filed a legal dispute against SM Entertainment over contract terms and revenue distribution, are notably missing from all current group plans.
A Divided Reaction
The news reignited online tensions between fans and the subunit. Many Korean netizens expressed relief or amusement at CBX’s exclusion, with comments like:
“I’m looking forward to EXO, as long as it’s not ChenBaekXi.”
“Way better than ChenBaekXi.”
“Didn’t they already leave the group?”
Meanwhile, international fans expressed disappointment, hoping for a full OT9 comeback. The hashtag #NO_CBX_NO_EXO began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans lamenting the group’s ongoing division.
Lay’s Return — A Surprise Twist
Perhaps the most unexpected name on the poster was Lay (Zhang Yixing), who has been largely absent from group activities since 2016 due to his solo work and promotions in China. His inclusion signals a potential rekindling of group unity — albeit with a noticeably altered lineup.
What’s Next for EXO?
Despite the controversy, excitement around EXO’s 2026 comeback remains strong. Their 8th album will be their first group release since “DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING” in 2021. With six members on board and a high-profile fan meeting to kick things off, the comeback marks a significant moment in the group’s evolving story.
As EXO continues navigating internal changes and contract disputes, one thing remains clear — the group’s name still carries immense weight, and their next chapter is already one of the most closely watched in K-pop.
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